Zhangjiajie, a city in Hunan Province, is a nature lover’s paradise renowned for its otherworldly sandstone peaks, lush forests, and breathtaking landscapes. As China’s first UNESCO World Natural Heritage site and the inspiration for the floating mountains in Avatar, it offers a surreal blend of geological wonders and outdoor adventure.
Natural Landmarks: Zhangjiajie’s landscape is dominated by towering quartzite pillars and mist-shrouded valleys. The Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, core of the Wulingyuan scenic area, features 3,000+ jagged peaks, including the iconic Southern Sky Column (Hallelujah Mountains). Ride the Bailong Elevator, the world’s tallest outdoor lift, to reach Yuanjiajie plateau for panoramic views. Explore Tianzi Mountain by cable car for sunrise vistas over the peaks, or hike the Golden Whip Stream through ancient cedar groves. For thrills, walk the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge, the longest and highest glass-bottomed bridge in the world. Don’t miss Tianmen Mountain, accessible via a 7.5km cable car ride, offering the adrenaline-pumping Skywalk cliffside path and the Heaven-Linking Avenue, a 99-bend mountain road.
For more information about Zhangjiajie: Zhangjiajie Travel Guide
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